Request for Information (RFI) regarding the potential to lease new RO/ROs vessels.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking information from the industry regarding the potential to lease new Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) vessels. The agency is investigating the possibility of using a Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) acquisition approach to purchase or lease vessels on the same contract. The contract would involve a four-ship block buy, with the Government owning two vessels and privately financing the other two. The lease term would be 20 years, with options for renewal. The vessels would be used for strategic sealift and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations. • The VCM would be responsible for selecting a shipyard, developing a contract design, overseeing construction, and delivering the finished vessels to MARAD. • The vessels would be required to meet certain specifications, including maneuverability, accommodation, and propulsion requirements. • The contract would involve a hybrid structure, with the Government owning two vessels and privately financing the other two. • The lease term would be 20 years, with options for renewal. • The vessels would be used for strategic sealift and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations.